Editing videos is exhausting work.
By the time Xu Yanxia finally spent another hour finishing a video for Three-Fresh Eggplant Rolls, she was already dizzy with fatigue. she quickly posted it to her Douyin account and immediately fell fast asleep.
It wasn't until she woke up the next day that she saw the messages from late last night in the Lu Family Foodies group chat.
Queen Xixi, the second Lu sibling who could stay up later than anyone, had posted a screenshot of her brother’s social media feed at around midnight. She asked her brother, Lu Jingming, in a shocked tone, Not possible, Brother! Have you actually evolved to this point? You’ve started learning how to cook???
Lu Jingming replied to his sister, Is there a problem?
Then the Third Brother, Lu Jingyao, chimed in with, No problem at all!
Brother, once you learn all of Sister Xiaoxia’s techniques, you can cook for us when she’s busy.
Lu Jingming replied to him, In your dreams. If you want to eat, learn it yourself. You won't be tasting what I make.
Then he asked Lu Jingyao, I’m picking up Mom and Dad from the airport tomorrow morning. Are you coming along?
Lu Jingyao replied, I have classes all day tomorrow. I’ll head straight to the clubhouse to see Mom and Dad after my afternoon class ends.
Lu Jingming replied with an OK.
Then it was the second sibling, Queen Xixi, asking her, Xiaoxia, is the banquet starting at six tomorrow? I’ll try my best to get back in time. If I can't make it, save some for me! I haven't eaten any carbs since this morning just for this meal!
But Xu Yanxia had been sound asleep at that time and didn't hear the vibration.
Instead, it was Lu Jingming who told his sister, Xiaoxia is asleep. She’ll reply when she sees the message tomorrow. Everyone, get some sleep.
The conversation in the group ended there.
After Xu Yanxia finished browsing the chat history, she quickly replied to Queen Xixi, Received. The banquet starts at six today. But you should still eat your carbs; you can just exercise a bit more after today's meal.
She wasn't sure if Queen Xixi was sleeping in or had already started working, as she didn't reply immediately.
However, Lu Jingming quickly sent her a private message: Awake?
Xu Yanxia replied to him, Just woke up.
Immediately after, he called her.
Xu Yanxia answered, and President Lu’s voice sounded gentle on the other end. I have a lot to do today, so I've already left for the clubhouse. Have breakfast on your own. By the way, how’s your foot?
Xu Yanxia’s voice still carried a hint of morning grogginess. It’s much better. I don't need the wheelchair at all today.
Lu Jingming chuckled on the other end. That's good, but you still need to be careful. Don't walk too much. Also, you can start using the medicinal liniment today; apply it a few times.
Okay, thanks for the reminder.
Xu Yanxia nodded on her end of the phone, then heard him say, It’s not even seven yet. You can sleep a bit longer.
She smiled. I’m already awake. I have a lot to do today, too.
Lu Jingming gave an affirmative hum. Then I'll see you this afternoon. I'll head over with my parents.
Okay, see you then.
Xu Yanxia hung up the phone and got out of bed to wash up.
On the other end, Lu Jingming turned his attention back to his work apps, a lingering smile still on his lips.
Uncle Li, who was driving in the front, caught this scene through the rearview mirror and couldn't help but smile to himself.
How long had it been since Xiaoxia arrived? This young man, who used to care about nothing but work, seemed like a completely different person.
He was talkative, cheerful, and knew how to care for someone now.
It really was a case of brine setting tofu; every man meets his match.
Uncle Li, wait for me at the company for a bit. We’ll head to the airport at ten.
Lu Jingming, unaware of Uncle Li's internal musings, suddenly spoke up.
Uncle Li nodded immediately. Of course.
...
By the time Lu Jingming picked up his parents and arrived at the clubhouse, it was already four in the afternoon.
The golden sunlight slanted across the clubhouse, coating the courtyard in a gilded layer.
The sound of trickling water and the breeze from the lake added a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.
Manager Wei led a group of staff to the main entrance to personally welcome them.
Welcome home, Chairman and Madam!
Chairman Lu and Madam Shen, who had just gotten off the plane, were in high spirits. Chairman Lu couldn't help but remark, The weather in Rong City is still the most comfortable!
Madam Shen asked, How are the preparations coming along?
Manager Wei stood tall and proud. Don't worry, Madam. Everything is ready and waiting for the guests to arrive.
Unexpectedly, just as he finished speaking, the security guard's voice came over the intercom: Guests have arrived.
Madam Shen laughed and remarked, Look at our timing. We don't even have to go inside yet.
Lu Jingming nodded and stood with his parents to greet the guests.
Oh, Madam Lu, Chairman Lu! We've finally been invited to this meal at your place!
Exactly! I've been starving myself since yesterday just for this. I have to get my fill today!
Most of the arrivals today were ladies from the local socialite circles—friends of Madam Shen who were also well-acquainted with Lu Jingming and Chairman Lu.
Madam Shen led her husband and eldest son to greet the guests, saying with a smile, Welcome, welcome. Everyone, eat your fill tonight. I might not be able to provide much else, but I can certainly guarantee you won't leave hungry.
Of course, some brought their husbands along, like Mrs. Lou, the mother of the Third Brother's childhood friend, Lu Tong. Chairman Lu (Lu Tong's father) followed behind her, carrying her bag as they stepped out of the car.
Mrs. Lou smiled at the Lu couple and said, Ever since we heard how delicious your little Xu’s cooking is, my Lao Lu has been clamoring to come and join the meal. We finally found the chance today. Brother Lu, Sister Shen, please forgive us for crashing the party.
Crashing? Not at all! Madam Shen laughed. Our Old Lu was just worrying that he wouldn't have anyone to drink with. You're more than welcome!
Exactly.
Chairman Lu also laughed and shook hands with Chairman Lu (Lu Tong's father). The ladies can have their dinner, and we’ll enjoy our drinks and food.
That sounds wonderful.
The Lou couple followed the staff into the garden.
Next, two more people arrived at the gate.
They appeared to be a mother and daughter.
The mother was around the same age as Madam Shen, dressed fashionably with heavy makeup. The daughter looked to be about the same age as the second Lu sister, Queen Xixi.
Zhiping, I finally see you! the mother greeted Madam Shen warmly.
Madam Shen also hurried to greet them. Chunling, welcome, welcome.
And Zhiyue is here too! It’s been a while; you’ve grown even more beautiful!
She then introduced them to her husband and son. This is my old colleague, Yao Chunling. We used to be at the Beijing North Opera House together.
I remember, I remember, Chairman Lu said as he shook hands with her. You two used to perform together often. Ms. Yao, your charm is as great as ever. Your daughter is all grown up now?
Zhiyue and Queen Xixi were classmates; they attended the Shanghai Conservatory of Music together. She happens to be performing in Rong City these few days. If Chunling hadn't contacted me, we would have missed each other.
As Madam Shen finished speaking, Jiang Zhiyue also greeted Chairman Lu. Hello, Uncle Lu. I visited your home once with Queen Xixi, but you happened to be away on a business trip at the time.
That was unfortunate, Chairman Lu said with a smile. But meeting today is just as good. Welcome, welcome.
As she finished speaking, Yao Chunling turned her gaze toward Lu Jingming. "This must be Jingming? You certainly are a handsome young man. You and Zhiyue only just met the day before yesterday, and here you are seeing each other again today."
"Yes, Auntie Yao," Lu Jingming replied, giving the mother and daughter a polite nod. "Welcome, both of you."
Mrs. Lu seemed a bit surprised. "Oh? You saw Zhiyue the day before yesterday?" she asked him.
"That’s right!" Before Lu Jingming could get a word in, Jiang Zhiyue’s mother, Yao Chunling, smiled again. "Zhiyue had only just arrived in Rong City the day before yesterday. She was having a meal at the mall when she happened to run into Jingming. However, Jingming was with someone else at the time, so I heard they only exchanged a quick greeting before he went on his way."
As she spoke, she shot Lu Jingming a pointed, meaningful look. "Perhaps Zhiyue’s last visit was so brief that Jingming didn’t quite remember her."
There was a subtle hint of reproach in her tone.
